Delaware County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Delaware County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 67K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 51K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Olin sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nordness silt loam, 5 to 14 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bassett loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, paha, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saude loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickinson fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, paha, 14 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, shallow loess, 1 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nordness-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawler loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.